Jessica K. Small

Jessica Kristeen Small, 51, of Convoy, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Jessica was born on October 26, 1974, to Tim and Janet Wollet. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher whose life was defined by the love she gave to others.

Jessica was the beloved wife of Jay Small. On August 5th, Jessica and Jay celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary, marking 26 years of marriage and 31 amazing years together. Their love was a beautiful testament to the life they built side by side, through all of life's seasons. She was a proud mother to Kyle Small and his wife, Haley, Kole Small, and Kali Small (Evan Edwards). She was also a cherished grandmother to her two grandchildren, Aiden and Addison, whom she adored more than words could express. She could talk about Aiden and Addie all day long, and being their grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Jessica had a true calling for teaching. She dedicated 26 years of her life to Van Wert City Schools, where she touched the lives of countless children through her compassion, patience, guidance, and unwavering belief in them. She earned her master's degree and continued to pour her heart into the students she taught and the work she loved. For Jessica, teaching was never simply a job-it was her calling. She cared deeply about her students and was passionate about helping them learn, grow, and believe in themselves. The impact she made over her 26 years in education reached far beyond the classroom, and the lives she touched will forever carry a piece of her with them.

Those who knew Jessica will remember her for her big heart, beautiful smile, and the best hugs. She had a way of knowing exactly what to say, no matter what someone was going through. She made people feel heard, loved, and cared for. Her kindness came naturally, and she never hesitated to be there for the people she loved.

Outside of teaching, Jessica loved shopping, spending time with her family and friends, and, perhaps most of all, simply talking. She could spend hours talking with her girlfriends, one of them being her dear friend Amy Smith. Whether they were sharing stories, laughing, or simply catching up, Jessica treasured the friendships she had built throughout her life. She loved being surrounded by the people she cared about and could turn even the simplest moments into memories.

In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, and parents, Jessica is survived by her mother and father-in-law, Brad and Lillian Small; brothers Travis (Tracy) Dickson, Shaun (Vicki) Wollet, and Adam (Michelle) Wollet; brother-in-law Brian (Amber) Small; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, former students, and loved ones whose lives she touched.

Though her family and friends are left with an unimaginable emptiness, Jessica's love will remain in every hug, every lesson, every conversation, and every memory she left behind.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Visitation will be held from 12:00-4:00 PM on Saturday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.